The Dinner Guest

The Dinner Guest is a 2022 Spanish drama film directed by Ángeles González-Sinde based on the novel by Gabriela Ybarra starring Susana Abaitua and Ginés García Millán alongside Adriana Ozores.

Plot

Set in two different timelines, in 1977 in Bilbao and 2011 in Navarre, the plot follows the processes of pain and grief of Fernando and Iciar.

Production

The screenplay is based on the novel El comensal by Gabriela Ybarra, which incorporates autobiographical experiences of Gabriela Ybarra around her grandfather Javier Ybarra's killing in 1977. The film was produced by Tornasol, Okolin Producciones Cinematográficas, and with the participation of RTVE and Movistar Plus+.

Release

Selected for the official selection of the BCN Film Fest, the film world premiered on 24 April 2024. Distributed by A Contracorriente Films, the film was released theatrically in Spain on 27 May 2022.

Reception

of Cinemanía rated the film 2½ out of 5 stars, writing that the initial rhythm cannot be sustained due to the comings and goings between timelines.
Pere Vall of Fotogramas rated the film 4 out of 5 stars, highlighting Abaitua and the film's use of silences, glances and light as the film's best.